Hot, dry weather, fireworks combine for triple whammy

We're being hit by a triple-whammy in Southwest Nebraska -- temperatures that may set a record, fire danger warnings, and the Fourth of July in the course of a few days.

We've already reminded readers of fireworks safety, and reiterate the need to have water available to extinguish spent fireworks, as well as the need for adult supervision and general common sense.

Like so many other activities, shooting fireworks and consuming alcohol don't mix. We'll have to wait and see how some of the new, less-restrictive fireworks rules will work out, particularly the aerial Chinese lanterns that are essentially miniature hot-air balloons carrying flames aloft.

Of more immediate concern, however, was today's predicted 107-degree temperatures and triple digits predicted for Independence Day and the day following.

We're at the end of a couple of relatively mild months, so it's probably a good time to recall some hot-weather tips, provided by NOAA weather experts:

* Slow down and reduce strenuous activities

* Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to keep body temperatures down

* Eat foods that do not increase metabolic heat production, such as salads, fruits and vegetables. Protein increases metabolic heat production and also increases water loss.

* Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic drinks. Your body needs water to keep cool. Check with your doctor if you have a special medical condition.

* Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

* Never leave people -- especially children and the disabled -- or pets in a closed parked vehicle. (We would even caution against leaving them in an open vehicle in 100-degree weather.)

* Don't take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

If you do have to spend time out in the heat, NOAA offers these tips on recognizing symptoms of various heat disorders:

* Sunburn: Redness and pain. In severe cases, it causes swelling of skin, blisters, fever and headaches. Use ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If they do break, apply dry sterile dressing.

* Heat cramps: Painful spasms, usually in muscles of legs and abdomen; heavy sweating.

* Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale or clammy skin, thready pulse. Get victims out of the sun, lie them down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths.

* Heat stroke: High body temperature (106 degrees or higher); hot dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness. Move the victim to a cooler environment and get them to the hospital immediately.

And don't forget your pets. Make sure they have a cool place to be, plenty of water, and never leave them in a car in hot or even warm weather.

And, give them respite from fireworks noise by leaving them inside as it gets closer to the Fourth.